Jonah's family touched by 'outpouring of love'

Jonah Lomu's family say they are touched by the outpouring of love for the former All Black, but his wife is no longer asking for financial support for her children.

Lomu died suddenly this week, aged 40, after suffering for many years from a chronic and serious kidney disorder.

Jonah Lomu at Twickenham, London in 2002, before an All Blacks vs England match. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The All Black great is survived by Nadene, and their two young children.

Yesterday a Give a Little page was set up in Nadene's name, saying Lomu and Nadene had "big plans to make a difference in the world" and "build a lasting legacy".

"With his spirit that will forever be by my side my promise is to bring the visions we both had planned to do together.

"We had plans to travel overseas early in 2016 to pursue business opportunities which would provide for our family's future. Unfortunately that will no longer be possible.

"Nadene Lomu said the funds raised would go towards "helping me to support our family, assisting with the upbringing of our children and their education". She also planned to set up a charitable trust to continue Jonah's "work and legacy with children all around the world."

The page had raised more than $5300 by early this morning, with a number of people leaving comments of support on Nadene Lomu's Facebook page.

However, the page was subsequently taken down. Former All Blacks coach John Hart, speaking on behalf of Lomu's family, later said Nadene had asked that the page be taken down.

Meanwhile, Lomu's father-in-law, Mervyn Quirk said the family wanted to thank everyone who had expressed their sympathies at an incredibly difficult time.

"While we grieve for a husband, father, son, brother and good mate, we know that many people in New Zealand and around the world are mourning a very special individual.

"We are continuing to discuss with various parties, how we can best celebrate Jonah's life and allow people to commemorate his achievements and contributions during an all too short time on this earth."

Mr Quirk said details of a memorial service would be announced within a few days.